Boe & Ball are back... and yes, they are smelling nice for you
They go together like Morecambe & Wise, Mel & Sue or .... well, Mistletoe and Wine. Singers Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are teaming up for the third time in this latest TV special.
And the double act are hoping it’s third time lucky – especially when it comes to the silly rituals they have.
“I’m forever whistling and everything has to be done in the same order before I go out on stage,” Michael said.
“The last thing that has to be said before I go on is,‘Are we smelling nice for the ladies and gentlemen?’ It’s just so you can blame it on somebody!
“That’s all superstitions are.You can say,‘Well it’s not my fault, it’s gone wrong because you did this and it’s not because I’m rubbish’.”
Alfie also has his own superstitions – but they mainly involve his footwear.
“I’m guilty of that as well!” he added. “My superstitions kick in with things like putting my shoes in the same place in my dressing room every night before I go out on stage.
“I have secret, quirky things that I do. I try and break away from them and take risks by putting my shoes in different areas of the room!”
Boe and Ball went released their album,Together, in 2016 and since then have made two more albums, called, appropriately enough,Together Again and Back Together.
And they’re looking forward to hosting the likes of actor Luke Evans, who showed off his musical chops in the liveaction version of Beauty And The Beast and recently released his debut album, as well as acclaimed singer-songwriter Gregory Porter.
But perhaps most excitingly of all, they will also be welcoming Dame Shirley Bassey.
“We’re very excited to be doing another ITV special, it’s going to be a great night with amazing guests,” said Alfie.
“It’s a diverse mix of people and Dame Shirley Bassey brings a great celebration to the show. Luke’s a stylish guy and has a great voice, he’ll bring a suave sophistication to the show.
“And me and Michael will clean up after they’ve all left! It’s Christmas!
“We’ve not had the chance to get all festive with the show before so we’re going to have a lot of fun getting into the spirit.”
Michael is keen to see what soul singer Gregory Porter can add to the party.
“It’s like Christmas has come early!” said Michael.
“The line-up just says Christmas doesn’t it? I’m hoping Gregory is going to do something from the Nat King Cole era.”
Boe & Ball: A Very Merry Christmas, ITV, Fri, 11.15pm